Apart from dogs and fleas, there aren’t too many things that cats loath more than getting wet.
Wet fur is extremely uncomfortable for felines and takes an age to dry – a nightmare for such fastidious groomers.
Unfortunately for cats though, shampooing is a useful way of getting rid of fleas. And this of course means bathing.
Understandably then, a lot of owners are desperate to avoid using shampoo flea treatments altogether.
How to Kill Fleas On Your Cat Without Bathing
Topical treatments are by far the most options these days. However, sprays, powders, combs and flea collars are also known to be pretty effective.
Here’s more information.
Flea Collars
Flea collars are an effective method for keeping fleas at bay.
They work by releasing a chemical that kills the fleas on the cat’s fur, preventing them from biting and laying eggs.
At one time very popular among cat owners, their use has declined following the introduction of spot-on topical treatments. They can also cause skin irritation and even fur loss.
Additionally, a lack of elasticity can lead to strangulation should the cat become tangled in a tree branch or obstacle.
Effectiveness – Up to 8 Months
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to Use
- Effective for Months
Cons
- Risk of Strangulation
- Uncomfortable for Cats
- Can Cause Fir Loss/Skin Irritation
Top Brands – Adams, Hartz, Rydor, PetArmor, Seresto, ShengKou
Flea Combs
Flea combs are a great way to get rid of fleas as well as their excrement and eggs. The combs comprise tiny metal teeth that catch the flea debris as you brush.
Although cost-effective, they shouldn’t really be considered as a standalone option. If you discover that your cat has fleas, you might need to treat your entire home environment too.
Effectiveness – Up to a Week
Pros
- Cheap
- Removes Flea Waste
- Easy to Use
- Useful Grooming Tool
Cons
- Can be Time-Consuming
- Can Irritate Existing Flea Bites
- Not an Effective Stanalone Treatment
Top Brand – Conair Pro, Frisco, Hartz, Safari, Scalpmaster, Whisker City
Tablets
Flea tablets are a popular option for owners looking to avoid the mess and hassle of applying liquid or topical treatments.
Oral flea medications such as these enter your cat’s blood stream after being ingested. Once in the blood, they kill the fleas when they bite.
Some flea tablets also include a growth regulator that prevents eggs and larvae from hatching.
However, oral treatments may contain different chemicals to control the fleas. So be sure to check your vet before making a purchase.
Effectiveness – Up to Three Months
Pros
- Convenient to Use
- Starts to Work Quickly (Around 30 Minutes)
- Non-Toxic
- Tablets Can Be Crushed in Food
Cons
- Expensive
- Only Available with Prescription
- Not Safe for Pregnant Cats
Top Brands – Advantage II, Bravecto, Capstar, Credelio, Frontline Plus, Pet Armor
Sprays and Powders
Flea powders and sprays are another alternative. They contain chemicals that get absorbed by the sebaceous glands.
The active ingredient is eventually released by the cat, thus killing any resident fleas as well as eggs and larvae.
Typically, the powder/spray is applied and then massaged into the cat’s entire coat. Some versions can also be applied to carpet, furniture, bedding and upholstery.
The problem with these kinds of treatments, particularly powders, is that your cat might lick them off.
Keep in mind that sprays and powders contain chemicals which might cause mild side-effects.
Effectiveness – Up to 30 Days
Pros
- Easy to Apply
- Can Sometimes Be Applied to Home Surfaces
- Cheap
- Effective
Cons
- Can Be Licked Off by Cat
- May Be Slightly Toxic
Top Brands – Adams, Advantage, Credelio, NaturPet, Pet Armor, Zodiac
Topical Flea Treatments
Ok, so we know what cats dislike more than anything. But what do fleas on cats hate the most? In two words: topical treatments.
Also known as spot-on treatments, they’re usually applied to the cat’s skin between the shoulder blades.
This is to prevent ingestion – the chemicals in topical products are often toxic. Topical treatments work by spreading over the animal’s coat via body oils.
Effective within an hour, they can deter fleas for up to a month.
Effectiveness – Up to a Month
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Very Effective
- Works for up to a Month
- Protects from Numerous Parasites
Cons
- Highly Toxic
- Can Cause Skin Irritation
Top Brands – Advantage II, Bravecto, Catego, Frontline Plus, Revolution Plus, Sentry
Remember to Vacuum!
Vacuuming is an extremely important and effective method for eliminating fleas in your home.
Ideally, this should be performed after you’ve treated your cat for fleas. Vacuum as thoroughly as you can, particularly around where your cat sleeps or rests.
Also vacuum on and underneath furniture, the beds, throw rugs, cushions, even curtains. Once you’re done, place the vacuum bag in the garbage and seal it up.
Then take the sealed garbage bag to an exterior trash container.
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Final Thoughts
There are lots of treatments that are less stressful than flea baths and also more effective.
To rid your cat and house of these pesky parasites we recommend you use a topical spot-on flea treatment and then vacuum like hell!
